2011 1LT V6 3.9k: Seems like A/C is always ON

[Colt Hero]

2011 1LT V6 3.9k: Seems like A/C is always ON

Took the vehicle on a 160-mile roundtrip drive last night. I did NOT turn on the A/C (the "snowflake" light was OFF), but I DID select RECIRCULATE and turn on the fan. I also did NOT have the defroster on (both buttons' lights were OFF).

I definitely was getting A/C-coolish air from the ducts the entire trip. Had to turn the fan down to level 1 because it actually got too cold.

I then tried pressing the "snowflake" button to make sure it wasn't on, and when I did I saw "A/C ON" displayed on the LCD and the amber light on the button illuminated. Pressing it again displayed "A/C OFF" (and the amber light went out). So the A/C was definitely (selected to be) OFF, but I was still getting A/C-like air from the ducts.

Is this right? Is the A/C activated anyway if you turn on the fan with Recirculate selected and the A/C and defrosters both OFF???

 

[2010BlkGraniteNox]

2011 1LT V6 3.9k: Seems like A/C is always ON

Took the vehicle on a 160-mile roundtrip drive last night. I did NOT turn on the A/C (the "snowflake" light was OFF), but I DID select RECIRCULATE and turn on the fan. I also did NOT have the defroster on (both buttons' lights were OFF).

I definitely was getting A/C-coolish air from the ducts the entire trip. Had to turn the fan down to level 1 because it actually got too cold.

I then tried pressing the "snowflake" button to make sure it wasn't on, and when I did I saw "A/C ON" displayed on the LCD and the amber light on the button illuminated. Pressing it again displayed "A/C OFF" (and the amber light went out). So the A/C was definitely (selected to be) OFF, but I was still getting A/C-like air from the ducts.

Is this right? Is the A/C activated anyway if you turn on the fan with Recirculate selected and the A/C and defrosters both OFF???

If you have recirculate selected, the AC is on (works that w/ the 1LT and 2LT (auto air)...if you choice outside air, ac off, then its just fan blowing

 

[dietz4ibanez]

I have always thought that recirculating blows the coldest air.

 

[Colt Hero]

This is a new phenomena to me, but OK.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Every car is different is what I always say.

 

[Lenn]

This could be a software glitch. If you have electronic climate controls, take it in to the dealer and let them know about the issue... if there in fact is one. They'll let you know how the proper operation is supposed to work and if there's an actual issue, it sounds to me like a software reprogram of the ECC module should take care of things.

 

[Lenn]

I have always thought that recirculating blows the coldest air.

Recirc blows the coldest air if ambient temp is high. Reason being is that if you have the A/C on, the air temp inside the car is considerably lower than ambient. Recirc just keeps the air inside the car moving and recirculating thru the HVAC system without actually pulling in more air from the outside (warmer air), thereby maintaining a cooler temp. Basically, its cooling already cool air.

With the A/C off, thermal dynamics will eventually heat up the air inside the car thru the glass and slowly raise the temp inside the car... but still considerably slower than turning off recirc and leaving off the A/C.

The drawback to using recirc only is that its been proven by the NHTSA/IIHS to contribute to premature driver fatigue on long trips. A little fresh air by turning off the recirc can help keep you more alert for longer. Plus, the air inside the car starts to smell stale after a while.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Trust me Lenn. After a couple of hours riding in the car I have to stop for fresh air...


:lol:

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[Z_Ghost]

I supply my own fresh air, well it's not that fresh and I would have to say it's not really what you want to be breathing in.
So I do roll the windows down every now and then.
Please do not light a match in my terrain...

Have to use Recirc almost all the time not the temps are pushing 100* Takes a long time to cool it down after sitting in the sun for a few hours.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Sometimes its hard to park in that shady spot.

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[NoobNox]

This could be a software glitch. If you have electronic climate controls, take it in to the dealer and let them know about the issue... if there in fact is one. They'll let you know how the proper operation is supposed to work and if there's an actual issue, it sounds to me like a software reprogram of the ECC module should take care of things.

It's not a glitch, the a/c compressor kicks in when you have it set to "recirc" regardless of the a/c being turned on or not. A lot of GM car/trucks do this..